Translate

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Seaside Treasures

I wish a happy hello to all of my crafty friends! It's a lovely Wednesday, and a hot one in the Charleston. We're forecast to stay at 97 - 99 degrees for the next six days. I'm super thankful for central air conditioning. I'm not sure how ladies handled the heat back in colonial days. I hope you're finding ways to stay cool as the temperatures soar.

The seashore is one of the loveliest ways I can think of to beat the heat, and our new two week 'By the Sea' challenge begins today at the Frilly and Funkie Blog! Kathy is our hostess and her guidelines are as follows:

It's summertime, and our minds turn toward the shore where we find sparkling sands, delicate shells and refreshing breezes. This sets the theme for our latest BY THE SEA challenge. Let's take a virtual beach trip by creating any kind of vintage or shabby chic project that features a nautical or beach theme and color palette.

At the end of the challenge the team will choose their top four picks. Our first place winner will be invited to join us in a Guest DT spot at The Frilly and Funkie Blog.Three additional talented participants will receive badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and adheres to the challenge guidelines will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique! For entry specifics and inspiration from my amazing teammates just click on the blog link above.

I love strolling along the beach or Charleston Harbor in the evening, reflecting on God's gifts that are so apparent in nature. My card is inspired by the treasures found in the sea.

I found the perfect papers in Maja Design's Vintage Summer Basics collection. The center panel is cut out with a Spellbinders circle die, left deep blue to represent the ocean.

You'll find sea encrusted riches everywhere you look, even the bow!

Random splashes of sea water are added here and there.

The mixed media flowers are handmade from mulberry paper, along with a host of products to add texture and sheen. All of the colors you see in my creations are a custom blend of several products. There will be a supply list at the bottom of this post, and I'm planning a tutorial for these flowers as well.

Miniature starfish and pearls adorn my little ocean.

The seagrass along the side is from a rubber stamp I won in an auction (no manufacturers name on the side).

I finish the interior and back of my cards with coordinating design papers. I usually do a little stamping inside, as you can see with the Tim Holtz stamp in the photo below.

Thanks for taking a walk by the sea with me! It's time again to turn the challenge over to you! I'm super excited to see your 'By the Sea' creations!

All I can say is "Wow" or maybe "Wow, Wow, Wow". I love all the crusty texture on everything as if it washed up on shore after years in the ocean. I feel like I am walking on the boardwalk with you.Hugs!Cec

Well, Jenny said exactly what I was thinking...be still my heart! This is beautiful beyond words. You captured the essence of the sea with this gorgeous, amazing, inspiring work of art! I love the crust of brine and sand and coquina on all the elements. The blue circle surrounded by the weathered wood makes me weak in the knees. Every single element is absolute perfection...but the flowers!!!! Holy moley! You outdid yourself with those spectacular beauties! I am just breathless with wonder and delight!

Absolutely stunning Nancy! Your blues and metallics are just brilliant and there is so much texture here, wow!! Love the starfish peeking out in front of your portal. What a glorious seaside card! hugs :)

Oh Nancy, I am in love with this card - it is perfect and gorgeous. I just love sea theme and depths of the ocean... Please please do more like this, and hope this gets a very good home it deserves pride of place xx

Oh my gosh, this is AMAZING!!!! I LOVE all the fabulous details! The colors, the blue and gold combination are so yummy together! Wow, the textures are just fabulous! I LOVE the star fish and really everything is placed perfectly! What a GORGEOUS cards!!! Sherrie K